Roscoe Blackburn, LHP, Thomas Worthington HS, Class of 2013

PBR: Why did you choose Marshall?

Blackburn:  I really liked the coaching staff when I met with them, and the baseball program seems like a good fit for me.  The coaches are not only interested in me as a baseball player, but also want to make sure that I succeed academically as well.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Blackburn:  Malone University and Ashland University.

PBR:  Where did the coaching staff first see you compete and how did your relationship develop with the rest of the coaching staff?

Blackburn:  One of the assistant coaches first saw me pitch at the Mizuno All-Star game which was played at OSU in June.  He contacted my high school coach, Stephen Gussler, and one of my summer travel baseball coaches, Steve Miller, and asked them to give his phone number to me and have me call him later that afternoon.  (At this time, the coaches are not allowed to contact the players directly by telephone, but the players are permitted to contact the coaches.)  So, I called the assistant coach later that same afternoon and he asked me when I was going to pitch next, because he wanted to see me pitch again.  About a week later, this same assistant coach came out to watch me pitch, and I was fortunate enough to throw a no-hitter on that day.  My parents and I met with the assistant coach after the game was over, and we set up a time to meet with the head coach and another assistant coach at Marshall University to take a visit the following week.

PBR: What role does the coaching staff expect you to play during your first year on campus?

Blackburn:  They expect me to work hard on the field and in the classroom.  I am expected to be ready to help the team in any way possible and be ready to compete on the mound.

PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player and how do you feel that will help the Herd?

Blackburn:  I feel my biggest strength is self-control when I am on the mound as I do not get upset or visibly show emotion if I or another player commits an error or when I get behind in the count.  I think my ability to remain calm and stay focused will go a long way when I am pitching.  Also, by controlling my emotions and not criticizing my teammates, this will help to set a positive attitude for the team.

PBR:  How does it feel to be a part of a Division 1 baseball program?

Blackburn:  GREAT!  I am excited to be part of a program where I can improve my game and develop into a better baseball player.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? 

Blackburn:  Basically, since I had surgery my junior year of high school and did not get to pitch at all, the recruiting process was a wash for me during the most important year of high school.  So, I had to count on my senior year to get looked at by college coaches.  I most definitely did not get as much exposure which I had hoped to receive, and it was often not possible for college coaches to come out to watch me during my senior year as they had their own team to take care of during the season.

PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?

Blackburn:  My high school coach, Stephen Gussler.

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was your most exciting experience playing summer ball?

Blackburn:  I play for the Columbus Cobras during the summer.  I cannot really pin down one exciting experience, but would say that just playing against some top notch teams in Ohio and other states has been a very nice experience.

PBR: What were your stats last season for Thomas Worthington?

Blackburn:  My win/loss record was 7-2, ERA was approximately 2.2, and my batting average was around .380. 

PBR: Who is the toughest hitter you have faced in Ohio?

Blackburn:  I really cannot pinpoint one particular person in Ohio who I think is a really tough hitter, but I will say that Michael Cooper from Westerville North somehow finds a way to hit the ball at least once every time I have faced him.